Hello, Mulan. This is a classic girl-pretends-to-be-a-man-and-falls-for-the-leader story. I like how capable and unafraid Rosie is. She learns an important lesson about how a need for vengeance can turn a person bitter, and I appreciate that, as well. Some of the relationship between her and Marshall Walker are predictable, but not to the point of being trite.

Carolyn Twede Frank writes turn-of-the-20th-Century western romances. I’ll admit, it’s not my favorite genre. But when you’re looking among your ARCs for something light and quick to read, they fit the bill.

Frank’s books are published by Covenant Communications, who also publish Traci Hunter Abramson. To be honest, I found Abramson’s writing to be superior. The editing on her books was far superior as well. I know that this could be a function of the fact that I am reading uncorrected galleys, but some errors in Franks work were so fundamental—misused words, confusing “lie” and “lay”, and a mess with homophones—I really hope these were cleaned up on final.

Characters have a fairly clear line between “good” people and “bad” people. The good ones tend to be very empathetic and helpful, always wanting the best for everyone. The bad ones are low-down sneaky varmints. Side characters are engaging, which is good, because we meet them over and over through the series.

As with anything published by Covenant, these books are squeaky clean, not going past kissing with unmarried people, and some super mild innuendo between the married ones. Cursing is limited to such words as “heck” and “dagnabit.” There are hardships, and people do die, sometimes at the wrong end of a gun, but violence also is mild.

Thank you to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2021/12/sweethearts-of-wild-west.html

#netgalley
#underthestars
This was my first book by Carolyn Twede Frank. I really liked it. The story moves along quickly. The characters are fun and I really liked Rosie! She is a fun character. I will be anxiously awaiting another book by this author.

This was my first book by Miss Frank. I really liked it. The story moves swiftly and steadily. The characters are varied and delightful. I especially like Rosie! She is a fantastic character. I will happily look for more books by this author!

Under the Stars by Carolyn Twede Frank, 272 pages. Covenant Communications, 2020. $17.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Rosie wants the chance to join up with the posse chasing down Ivan’s murderer, but the marshal isn’t taking on any women. With some help from her friends, Rosie becomes Ross and joins the posse anyway. She might have been able to fool the marshal into letting her go along, but Rosie has her work cut out for her if she’s going to keep up the ruse until they catch the outlaw.
I was disappointed to not have as much fun reading about Rosie’s antics as I expected. Frank’s writing was the kind of funny where I understand the humor but don’t actually laugh because I was embarrassed for Rosie as I waited for her careful plans to fall apart. The more I read, the more ridiculous the story became as Rosie tried to discover what she wanted and how to get it. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading how everything wrapped up in the last couple chapters.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

This is a fun story set in the days of the old west. Rosie is a lovely young woman who has no need for society parties or manners. Much to her parents’ dismay, she dresses in flannel shirts and men’s pants, and works as ranch hand on a local ranch. She’s quite at home on a horse and there’s no job in the ranch that she can’t do. Add to this that she’s an expert sharpshooter, and she would seem like the perfect applicant to be a deputy sheriff. But Sheriff Hank doesn’t want a woman on his force. So when there’s a need for a posse to bring in a dangerous outlaw, Rosie disguises herself as a man, and goes along with the group. There’s a problem that Rosie hasn’t considered——the fact that she just might fall in love with the sheriff. As Rosie realizes that Hank is also drawn to her, she knows she needs to make some changes. But how can she become the lady she needs to be and still do this things she enjoys most?

It’s quite entertaining when Rosie decides that she’s going to “wow” Hank in changing her ways to be more in line with being a wife. But first, Rosie finds herself in danger, and it’s going to take her all ingenuity and skill, plus Hank’s intervention, to save her life. Rosie is an amazing, endearing character. If you like Mary Connelly’s books, you’ll want to be sure to read this one.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rosie bucks the traditional female role of her day, working as a ranch hand, wearing trousers and flannel, and shooting better than most men. She recently lost her fiance to an outlaw and wants vengence.
Sherriff Hank Walker loves his work, and is looking for someone with whom to share his life. Past trauma has convinced him that women need protection and gentleness.
When Rosie wants to join Sheriff Walker's posse to bring in the outlaw that killed her fiance, their worlds and worldviews collide and sparks fly!
I really enjoyed this book, even though it isn't what i typically read. I enjoy female characters that buck tradition, but learn to find a balance in their strength and gentleness. Rosie felt like a little bit too anachronistic to me, and too good at all the male things. She had a quick temper, but it didn't seem to get her in as much trouble as i expected. Her disguise... well, it surprised me it took so long for people to figure it out. I recommend it if you enjoy historical westerns, personal character development, and a sweet romance that isn't the main focus of every chapter.

This was a sweet romance, but somewhat slow. I liked the idea of the plot. It was fun and at times Rosie got herself into some funny situations. Many of the characters were easy to like and those you were meant to dislike, you did. There were redeeming qualities in all of them. It was easy to read and clean. I did like that Rosie was good at things unusual for a woman in this time. However the characters were pretty simple. Rosie was a tom-boy and refused to see herself as anything else. She was unwilling to change. Stubborn like a toddler. Sheriff Hank Williams was sweet and for the era, his opinion of women was natural. The bad guys were extreme characterizations of villains. The way they spoke, acted, etc. That's what I didn't like. The characters reminded me a bit those in the old Doris Day movie "Calamity Jane", with Rosie being Calamity and Hank as Wild Bill Hickok.

This was a very enjoyable book. I found Rosie to be a fun, spunky and likable character. I loved finding out her reasons for behaving the way she does. Marshal Walker was also a very fun and likable character. It made for some fun misunderstandings and dialogue between the two. There were just enough twists to make it a fun and engaging read.

(4 stars) - An entertaining Annie Oakley kind of western romance

This was my first book by this author & apparently the 3rd in a series, so I can vouch that the book works just fine as a standalone. I'm not sure it was the most believable story, but it was pretty fun.

Rosie is an Annie Oakley character who can shoot better than most men and is quite resourceful. Hank is the new marshal and isn't quite sure what to make of her at first. .The banter between the two as they get to know each other & work together is entertaining, & the way the bad guys are caught is particularly amusing.

It was enjoyable and made me want to check out the other books in this series.

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic

This romance is sweet and amusing. The fun personalities of the characters make this story entertaining and an enjoyable read. There is plenty of action, adventure, and a posse tracking down a murderer to keep you wanting to turn the page. A unique twist to the typical romantic western. A charming read.

#UndertheStars #NetGalley

Publisher synopsis: When the new marshal in town needs volunteers, one of the first to sign up is Miss Rosie Decker. And why wouldn’t she? She’s a sharpshooting, horse-taming tomboy—and she’s out for revenge. Marshal Hank Walker is forming a posse to find the man who killed her sweetheart, and Rosie is determined to help track him down. When the marshal refuses her service on account of her being a woman, Rosie is undeterred. If it’s a man Marshal Walker wants, it’s a man he’ll get.

With his posse assembled, Hank Walker is confident he’ll be able to track down the criminal. His confidence grows as he recognizes the incomparable skill of one young man in his posse—Ross. That is, until the day Ross’s mustache falls off, revealing “his” true identity. Rosie Decker has duped him. Banished back to town, it’s time for Rosie to prove her mettle. Though working alongside the unwilling marshal is complicated, it is the unexpected tenderness she feels for him that proves most problematic. How can she demonstrate her skill while also setting out to win the heart of the man who seems bent on keeping her out of his way?

While a good story, there were a few parts that were slow. I thought Rosie was a genuine character, although somewhat misguided. It was sad such a sorry excuse for a boyfriend that she had and didn't know it and didn't even entertain the idea that everyone else had the same opinion of him and maybe she should think about that?

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

#UnderTheStars #NetGalley

Support your Local Gunfighter meets Calamity Jane. Rosie Decker, is a tomboy,who wants to ride in the posse, to find the man who killed her boyfriend. Rosie must ride in disguise. Marshall Henry Walker is frustrated by the men who joined the posse, the only competent one is Ross Cook AKA Rosie. The story is fast paced and fun to read, Rosie is a hoot, I loved her spunk.

I was so excited to see that Carolyn Twede Frank was putting out another historical western in her series with Under the Stars. I loved meeting all the townspeople and seeing the characters get their happily-ever-afters in previous books. This one was especially fun because of Rosie, a woman who can ride and shoot better than a man. The new marshal in town needs volunteers for his posse and flatly refuses to take Rosie along. She's got other plans, however, and joins up anyway---in disguise. There are some scenes that had me laughing out loud. (It reminded me a little of one of my favorite Sarah Eden western romances, The Sheriffs of Savage Wells.)

Hank Walker enjoys his job being a marshal. Because of an event in his past, it gives him purpose to see justice done. He's courting the banker's daughter and hopes to make a family of his own. But when he meets Rosie Decker, all of his plans seem to fall apart. She's stubborn and not very ladylike, but has impressive skills in riding and shooting. Though he keeps sending her away, somehow she finds her way back, winning Hank's grudging admiration. But when danger is lurking, will he be able to trust in Rosie's skills and work together to see justice done?

I loved this sweet story about an unconventional character and a slow burn romance. Rosie makes an appearance in the other books in the series and is so memorable, I was hoping she'd get her own book. I was not disappointed. The author has created believable characters in Hank and Rosie that makes the reader root for them to overcome their obstacles and reach for a chance at love. Hank was a swoony hero who starts to change his mind about a few things. I loved seeing his character growth the more he interacted with Rosie. The setting was really well done and I hope Ms. Frank has a few more stories for us in the series. I've really come to love the characters she's created!

This wasn't my favorite of the series but it was still enjoyable. I had a hard time embracing Rosie's dialect. By the end though, I didn't seem to struggle. The storyline, whole stretched, was still fun and easy to read.

I wanted to like this story but I was unhappy. Ultimately Rosie, who was perfectly happy as she was, had to change for a man. That should never be the message. There was also a part at the end that shouldn’t have happened. It was a terrible attempt to extend the climax and it was a mistake. I was so irritated by it!

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fantastic read. "Under the Stars" is a fun old west story full of laugh-out loud humor. Rosie Decker is a tomboy girl who won't be outdone by any man, especially the Marshall, Hank Walker. Rosie is determined to be in the posse formed to track down the man who killed her sweetheart.

Will the Marshall lay his fears aside or miss the chance for a match made just for him??
Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for this fun eArc

Rosie is a fascinating blend of tomboy and caring woman.  The unique characters give this story a fresh twist, and their journeys of self discovery make this old west story a delightfully insightful book.  Less polished writing style seems to fit the character of the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book! It was SO FUN! So many awesome scenes. So many fantastic conversations. I adored the complicated relationship between Rosie and Hank. A fantastic read!

This was a fun wild west story full or heart. You can't help but love the tough but sensitive Rosie Decker who gives Marshal Hank Walker a run for his money. Not to be outdone by any man when she is refused admittance into the lawman's world she will prove her mettle to bring in the outlaw who murdered her sweetheart. However, will she learn to forgive in time to see the real love she could have. And will the Marshall learn to lay fears aside before he misses out on his perfect match. You will have to read this fun, rollicking tale of love and adventure!

I have to admit, I grabbed this book for the fabulous cover. Besides, I’m often looking for U titles for challenges and I am glad to have read it for that reason.

Otherwise, I am not the audience for this book. I’m not a huge romance reader and that’s the main focus of the book. I get hung up on wanting things to make sense and wanting to feel a true historical flavor when I read historical books. Rosie, to me, felt like an enterprising girl from the 1950s or 1960s who was misplaced into an earlier time frame. Everything is larger than life and there’s not a lot of nuance. Historical conversation seems to “happen” with her getting an intermittent mountain accent with bad grammar; she’s got a slender waist and beautiful features but she brings down hardened outlaws time and again. And then peskier errors like thinking laryngitis isn’t contagious. And calling someone a moron in the 1800s. Oh well. Oh, and lace wasn't scratchy back then because it was all handmade. I didn’t realize her folks were so incredibly wealthy as to provide yards and yards of it for a wedding gown. So...yeah. Just not my sort of book.

Mostly clean. She completely ignores her father’s advice though dependent on him for a home. We are told how she uses the toilet in the open while in disguise on the trail.

I’d recommend this one to readers more interested in romance than in a western or in historical detail.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.